Energy and Mines Ministry (MEM) expects construction works of Tia Maria mining project —located in Arequipa region and operated by Southern Copper Corporation— will begin in 2019.
In his speech at the conference Energy, Mining, Social Responsibility and Environment, held by Foreign Trade Society (ComexPeru), Mines Deputy Minister Ricardo Labo said Tia Maria is one of the eight projects to start construction in 2019.
Better relationship
Public Relations Chief for Southern Peru Guillermo Vidalon stressed the company-population relationship is improving.
"We believe the relationship with Arequipa locals is getting better. During the last visit of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski to the area, there was a smaller number of anti-mining demonstrators," he commented.
Vidalon also said more people are attending the Southern stall set up at the conflict zone, in order to learn about the social programs implemented.
"More and more people are interested in the social programs, and the important thing is that they understand the company is willing to listen to different points of view on the project," he was quoted as saying.
As for the Social Payment fund, he said that even though regulations have not been published, every action seeking mining projects activation is welcomed.
(END) RGP/JJN/RMB/MVB
Published: 2/21/2017